3 Cutting-Edge Cardiology Treatments You Should Know About

3 Cutting-Edge Cardiology Treatments You Should Know About

Heart ailments can develop out of seemingly nowhere, even in healthy people with no family history. One day, you’re completely fine, and the next, you’re experiencing chest discomfort, nausea, arm pain, jaw pain, or lightheadedness. These symptoms might seem minor at the time, but they can be indicative of a severe heart problem on its way.

Once a heart ailment takes root, you’ll naturally want to act fast so you can resume your normal life. The first step is to find a cardiologist in Tampa who has been serving the community for years and possesses the certifications to perform cutting-edge cardiology treatments that eliminate the pain and hassle of outdated methods.

If you want top-tier medical care that takes the discomfort out of an inherently uncomfortable situation, consult Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology. Well-versed in advanced medical services ranging from general cardiology to echocardiography to nuclear cardiology and interventional cardiology, Dr. Diwadkar is board certified in treatments to get patients on the road to recovery as quickly and painlessly as possible.
1. Interventional Cardiology
According to data compiled from the American College of Cardiology, only 25 percent of cardiologists in the United States are certified to perform transradial heart catheterizations and interventions. That said, this treatment is extremely proficient in reducing patient discomfort both during and after the procedure. This innovative technique helps patients avoid discomfort and complications by minimizing the amount of time patients are required to lie in the supine position and greatly reducing the frequency of bleeding complications associated with femoral catheterizations. Plus, patients can move normally after the treatment is completed.
2. Echocardiography
Echocardiography is a cutting-edge technique that is used to create visualizations of the heart and its surrounding structures with ultrasound waves. One important aspect of echocardiography is that it is completely noninvasive compared to other surgical testing procedures. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a virtually painless procedure that allows cardiologists to quickly diagnose a wide range of cardiac abnormalities. Patients can receive their results almost instantaneously so their cardiologists can help them determine their best course of action for getting their health back on track.
3. Nuclear Cardiology
Combining treadmill exercise or pharmacologic vasodilators with specialized radioactive tracers that can track and evaluate the flow of blood throughout the heart, nuclear cardiology is another cutting-edge, non-invasive cardiovascular testing method that only board certified cardiologists can utilize. Nuclear cardiology can be used to identify arterial blockages while simultaneously generating comprehensive metrics on a patient’s heart including heart size and strength.

As a heart patient, you want treatment options that allow you to feel your best without first making you feel your worst. Board certified cardiologists offer more options for treating your heart ailment and can greatly reduce the discomfort of outdated treatments.
To consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
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The Benefits of Interventional Cardiology

Interventional cardiology is a specialized branch of cardiology that requires cardiologists to undergo additional training and education to obtain board certification or eligibility. Once they have met these rigorous requirements, they are permitted to perform procedures such as transradial heart catheterizations and interventions. When weighing the positives and negatives of interventional cardiology, the positives greatly exceed the negatives.

In this short article, we will explain why interventional cardiology is a preferred treatment option for many heart ailments. If you are looking for the best heart doctor in Tampa Bay, consult a cardiologist, like Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology, who can offer a wide range of services from time-tested general cardiology treatments to cutting-edge interventional cardiology procedures.
Avoid Going “Under the Knife”
Let’s face it, whether you’ve suffered a heart attack or a physician has diagnosed you with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or heart valve disease, the first thing on your mind will be: Am I going under the knife? It’s a natural reaction to conjure mental images of open-heart surgery and Grey’s Anatomy-esque theatrics, but a cardiologist certified in interventional cardiology can often avoid such drama. Noninvasive techniques don’t require intensive medical procedures and drawn-out surgeries. In fact, patients can often undergo treatment without a substantial resting period afterwards, and many patients walk away without any impediments to movement after treatment.
Increase Comfort, Decrease Complications
Prior to the advent of transradial heart catheterizations and interventions, catheterizations were inserted through the groin to access the arterial system, which created a multitude of issues for patients. This treatment, which is still performed by physicians who aren’t certified to utilize interventional cardiology, creates high levels of discomfort in patients. This often results in increased recovery times as patients struggle with the painful aftermath of the procedure. Additionally, due to the nature of the treatment, patients commonly suffer from increased bleeding, hematomas, and pseudoaneurysms in the surgical site along the femoral artery. Complications associated with regular catheterizations, like retroperitoneal hemorrhaging, could even prove fatal for some patients. Fortunately, this is not the case with interventional cardiology.

Cardiologists who are certified to perform interventional cardiology must undergo one to two years of specialized medical training after completing their fellowship in general cardiology. The commitment to mastering interventional cardiology helps to ensure patient success, and should not be overlooked when you are seeking out the best heart doctor in Tampa.
To consult the best heart doctor in Tampa from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
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5 Lesser Known Heart Conditions

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for approximately one in every four deaths — or 610,000 deaths — every year. Although coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of cardiovascular ailment, it’s only one of several heart conditions that can have an adverse effect on a person’s health.

Considering the fact that about 735,000 Americans suffer from a heart attack each year, it’s important to keep a close eye on your heart health. Heart disease isn’t necessarily a rarity, and a person can become a part of these shocking statistics quite easily if they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Furthermore, people who smoke, are overweight or obese, have a poor diet, are physically inactive, or consume alcohol excessively have a higher risk of heart disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you suffer from any of these conditions or take part in activities that have been linked to heart disease, consult the best cardiologist in Tampa, Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology. In addition to CHD, heart disease can manifest in a variety of lesser known conditions, including heart failure, aortic aneurysms, arrhythmia, valvular heart disease, and heart infections.
1. Heart Failure
Your heart is one of the hardest working muscles in your body. From the moment you’re born, your heart never stops beating. This is a remarkable feat that relies on healthy decision-making and careful monitoring to sustain. When your heart muscle starts to weaken or becomes stiff, it can lead to significant problems as a result. When your heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently it can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Heart failure doesn’t necessarily denote that your heart is going to stop working, but it does imply that your heart isn’t functioning at its peak. This can lead to shortness of breath, swelling, and other symptoms.
2. Aortic Aneurysms
An enlarged or bulging aorta is a common result of perennial high blood pressure or high cholesterol. When this happens, it makes it difficult for this important blood vessel to transport blood throughout the body, resulting in an aortic aneurysm. This is a serious condition that may require immediate medical care.
3. Arrhythmia
Atypical heart beats — either too fast, too slow, or altogether irregular — can cause an array of cardiovascular problems. There are many types of arrhythmia including atrial fibrillation (irregular or rapid heartbeat), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (accelerated heartbeat), or premature ventricular contractions (skipped heartbeats).
4. Valvular Heart Disease
Your heart contains four different valves. Each one of these valves can develop issues, even in people who take great care of their cardiovascular health. You can be born with heart valve problems, or they can be damaged by various types of infections. Some common types of valvular heart disease include:

• Aortic valve regurgitation
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Endocarditis
• Mitral valve regurgitation
• Mitral valve stenosis
• Mitral valve prolapse
5. Heart Infections
While many of the conditions listed above are distinctly related to the various parts of the heart, some infections can develop independently and then attack the heart. Tuberculosis and a handful of other viruses can cause pericarditis. Others will attack the heart muscle leading to myocarditis. In some rare circumstances, bacterial infections can also infect the heart valves, which causes endocarditis. These lesser known conditions can lead to adverse effects on your health that limit your ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Don’t let your heart health stop you from doing what you love. Identifying your ailment in the first step to recovery.
To consult the best cardiologist in the Tampa Bay area, from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
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Identifying Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms

Many people don’t realize that heart attack symptoms in men and women can be quite different. While both sexes typically experience chest pain, women are more likely to experience other adverse symptoms like shortness of breath and nausea. Every person’s experience with a heart attack will be slightly different, so it’s important to stay educated about the general warning signs of a heart attack as well as the sex-specific symptoms.

If you think you are having a heart attack, it’s imperative that you call 911 immediately. In the case of a heart attack, be proactive and don’t hesitate to get the assistance you need. Every minute counts during a heart attack, and preserving these minutes could, in turn, save years of your life. Women’s symptoms are often underreported, so it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with these symptoms to effectively identify a potential heart attack.

If you’ve been experiencing discomfort in your chest, shortness of breath, or a general feeling of uneasiness, consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology. Dr. Sachin V. Diwadkar, FACC, FASE, of Ascent Cardiology utilizes the latest non-invasive cardiovascular procedures to help improve patients’ heart health while minimizing discomfort and side effects.
Common Signs
Women who experience any of the following symptoms should call 911 immediately:

• Feelings of fullness, pressure, or a squeezing sensation in the center of your chest lasting more than a few minutes or occurring irregularly over a period of time.

• Persistent aches or discomfort in one arm or both arms, as well as the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

• Sudden shortness of breath accompanied (or unaccompanied) by chest discomfort. Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Remember, women are just as likely to experience the most common heart attack symptom — chest pain — as men; however, they are generally more likely to experience the symptoms listed above, too.
Don’t Take Chances with Your Heart Health
In some cases, women may dismiss these symptoms as they can be indicative of less severe conditions like acid reflux or the flu. Some women may even attribute these symptoms to aging. While these conditions could lead to these types of symptoms, it’s not a chance you should be taking. Heart attacks occur every 43 seconds, so they’re not as rare as you might think. Take this into consideration when you’re experiencing one or more of the symptoms listed above, and remember that even mild symptoms can indicate the onset of a heart attack.

The best way to thwart a heart attack from happening in the first place is to find out if you’re at risk by consulting a cardiologist in Tampa. Your cardiologist can give you accurate insight about the state of your cardiovascular health and provide suggestions to help you prevent a heart attack from happening. Some common suggestions include quitting smoking and partaking in a simple, daily exercise routine. Healthy eating habits also go a long way to preserve your heart health.
To consult a cardiologist in Tampa, FL, from Ascent Cardiology, please request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Ascent Cardiology Group website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services of Ascent Cardiology Group or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Ascent Cardiology Group. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Ascent Cardiology Group is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.
More Resources